Overloading, causes and death and serious injuries on our roads.

Overloading is one of the black areas of all fleets, because it generates an unsafe vehicle that can cause death and injuries. Statistics show that overloaded and improperly loaded trucks, taxis and buses are among the leading causes of accidents even though carrying larger loads results in less trips and increasing per-trip cost, it remains a serious road traffic problem. Overloading Increased Accident Risk Besides violating frequent traffic regulations, when a vehicle is overloaded its emergency control capability is reduced, which can result in an accident this is because, braking distance will increase, which causes drivers to misjudge stopping distances. Tyre failure rates are higher because tyres run warmer due to the increased load. In addition, a raised center of gravity adds to the risk of a rollover. Overweight, unbalanced loads, or shift while moving increase the likelihood that a driver may lose control of the vehicle. For instance, if the load shifts when changing lane or make a sudden turn, there is higher risk of rollover. Even if a vehicle does not surpass payload limits, improper loading can cause for instance a truck to be off balance, also making it more vulnerable to rollover accidents. Addition to that is the is axle overloading. For instance, even though a vehicle's load is within required limits, the vehicle may still be overloaded on one of its axles. It is possible that a front or rear axle is overloaded with only a portion of the maximum payload on the truck. Load distribution remains the key to avoiding axle overloading. For instance, if the rear axle is carrying more than 95% of the total load for a conventional cab chassis, the front axle does not have adequate weight on the driving surface. This can cause hasty wear-and-tear on tyres and suspension components. It also affects the driving characteristics of the vehicle and shortens a vehicles service and increases operational expenses. As a driver, always keep in mind that manufacturer when designing vehicles they sets the required standards according to what the vehicle can safely stop, carry, and perform at an acceptable level. Failure to consider payload and weight distribution either of passengers or goods may result in failure of equipment, personal injuries, and possible liabilities. Do not modify your vehicle under-specified trucks to accommodate greater payloads, such as changing tyre sizes, adding spring kits, air shocks, heavy-duty brakes, and anti-sway kits. In many ways, these modifications are self-defeating. These components can add significant weight to the chassis, which reduces the available payload by several hundred of dollars. The main reason to avoid modifying a vehicle is that it creates an unsafe situation by changing the integrity of the vehicle and increase liability exposure in case of an accident. Always use better load distribution. Always check for drooping rear-end; unequal tyre wear; hasty brake wear; and loose, unresponsive suspension and steering. All may indicate overloading. Maintain good control of what is carried in your, Avoid overloading and stay within the traffic rules requirements. Overloading remains a safety issue, a risk management issue, and an operating cost issue. The Automobile Association of Namibia is requesting you to be alert always and reduce death and injuries on our roads.